Gilliard Dole Monts Red 2012

Robert Gilliard 2012 Dôle des Monts, Sion, Valais, Switzerland | 13.3% | Pinot Noir and Gamay | Since 1885 Dôle des Monts has been to the Valais what Passe-Tout-Grains is to Bourgogne: a charming blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay in which through an alchemical symbiosis each improve the other and in this happy marriage keep their union a lighthearted one –more about lilacs and laughter than serious and studious. Even so…some such blends by their nose may betray the Valais’ family resemblance to Passetoutgrains from the canton's days among the kingdom of Upper Burgundy. This pure example is one such wine from the district of Sion within Valais -for its rose and gentian floral notes and a bell clear clarity of red fruit despite its sapid, piney undercurrent. It is a lovely, fair red with a fruit profile of taut red cherries and supple raspberries as if so ripe that they burst the moment they meet one’s lips. A lovely wine unique to Switzerland and sure to make all our lives better simply for being a part of them.
Wine review by Nicholas Livingston, February 25, 2015 (Leaf)

The Dôle des Monts remains what it has always been: a harmonious blend of grape varieties. It combines the grace of a late harvested Gamay and the strong sap of Pinot Noir. It's race on one hand and elegance on the other. Traditional fermentation in stainless steel tanks preserves a nose of ed fruits, strawberry, raspberry, cherry and in the mouth a fruity attack, ample tannins, a very nice roundness overall.
Tasting note from Robert Gilliard

Food Pairings

Ideal with charcuterie, cheeses of most every variety, delicate white meats including veal, and naturally every complexion of red meats.